Akai S1000 / S1100 samplers

Hi!

First of all, I've RTFM :)

I've got my eyes on a s1000 and I was just wondering, do the Akais have "controllable" 
sample start?

Like the Kurzweil K2500:
"K2500 models can dynamically vary the sample start point, such as using the mod wheel to 
choose where the sample will begin playing from."

I also read that the Ensoniq ASR+EPS series samplers have this function..

One fellow VSE member told me:
"On both my S1000 (v4.40)and S2800i, you can modulate the sample start point, but it's 
definitely hard-wired to velocity"

Is it?
Hardwired to velocity, so you can't "route" something to it?
Hacks? :P

Also, quick question:
When you're making a loop, is there a backwards/pendulum mode for the looping?

thanks a ton in advance,
and sorry if these are annoying questions :)

-Geir Helgi